ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Some people may smell a foul odor Friday around St. Louis County, including in North County. Spire utility crews are investigating and do not believe the odor is one of natural gas.
Instead, the smell is likely that of a harmless odorant with a rotten-egg smell that is injected into the natural gas distribution system for safety purposes, according to a Spire spokesperson.
“During routine maintenance activities, too much mercaptan was injected into our system that, in turn, is causing the odor people are smelling today. We have identified and isolated the source of the mercaptan and are currently working to address the issue,” said Spire in a statement to FOX 2.
Crews with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District have responded to several reports of natural gas odors since Thursday. Fire officials say all reported incidents have been “thoroughly checked” as Spire investigates the odor.
No immediate hazards to the public were identified, but Spire continues to monitor the situation. Fire crews remain on standby for additional calls.
The reports come nearly two weeks after the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District previously notified of a natural gas odor under investigation.
It also comes more than three weeks since a massive explosion in north St. Louis County destroyed several homes, injured five people and rattled surrounding neighborhoods. That blast may have left some Florissant-area residents uneasy about potential gas-related issues.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert for odd smells and call 911 to report any suspected gas leaks.
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